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A Maidstone thief has been convicted at court just days after stealing money from the till of a town centre restaurant.
Diavren Pope entered the High Street premises at lunchtime on Friday 26 May 2023, while staff were in a back area.
He stole £50 from a till but was then seen acting suspiciously and pursued. Pope was challenged outside but handed back an empty envelope containing only receipts.
The 42-year-old, from Maidstone was identified by town centre patrols, and arrested on Sunday 28 May.
He was remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court and at a hearing on Tuesday 30 May pleaded guilty to theft.
The court granted him bail with conditions until sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on 1 August.
PC Rob Barrett said: ‘Pope was quickly recognised as the suspect after a CCTV image was circulated among our local teams.
‘We remain determined to protect local businesses targeted by criminals like him who see shops and other commercial premises as easy pickings.
‘By swiftly bringing offenders before the courts we will ensure they are held accountable for their actions.’